NYT: Pope Francis "Who Am I to Judge"

As an openly gay Christian I have experienced many challenges practicing my faith in fellowship. While I certainly understand the motive of most religious leaders is not to judge or bring harm to their membership but rather to share what they believed to be Gods plan for his followers is. I also understand on a very personal level that sometimes it can go to far and religion can be used as a tool to beat people down. This is why I am especially proud of Pope Francis for his affirmative comments to gay religious leaders.

The New York Times reports that Pope Francis has stated that he will not judge gay priests. “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Francis said, according to media reports.
The popes comments come at a significant moment in my own life. While I am not Catholic I still appreciate his comments because the arguments against LGBT presence in church has been present not only in the Catholic church. I was baptized at my new home church in Harlem. This Baptism was especially momentous for me given my past experiences with other religious institutions. I am humbled that there is room at the cross for me, even with all of my imperfections.

       When I was a teenager I was an avid church goer. I went to church at least three times a week. To bible study, teen night, and Sunday morning fellowship. I noticed that while many of my friends were in relationships and have engaged in activities that the Bible does not condone my homosexuality was placed on a hierarchy of sins. In stead of me going to church to receive the gospel and hear the words of God. I was turned away after being ostracized. It meant a lot to me that I was able to be baptized an resume fellowshipping in a Christian congregation while remaining truthful to all of my identities.